Basin Complex Fire Visits the Oliver Observing Station!

Pictures taken on 07-18-2008 , the fire's third run at the OOS. 

by Dr. Bruce Weaver

Fire at the bottom of the steep Piney Canyon to the east of the Oliver Observing Station. 

Later, constrained by previously burned strips, the fire advances higher toward the top of Chews Ridge.

A wide view of east side of the afternoon fire; the Salinas Valley is in the background.

Looking SE towards Arroyo Seco; MIRA's solar panels and wind turbine in the foreground.

View to the west of the OOS; lots of active fires.

Looking from the north showing the results of the 12 July outbreak crossing the dozer line..

Here is a view from the NW of the OOS (upper left corner). This is the breakout that Ivan fought and led to the next week of fires down Tassajara Road.

Looking towards the SE from the OOS.

Next valley to the west of OOS showing active fires.

Top of Piney Canyon. Fire tower in the distance; OOS off frame to the left.

More of the east side of the OOS.

A fire helicopter returning from a pass west of the OOS.

Our new landscaping.

To protect the optics from ash, dust, and high heat, the 36-inch telescope and instruments at the OOS are wrapped in flame retardant material and shrouded in plastic.

The aerial view shows the multiple advances on the OOS. Where green trees survive, the undergrowth is now ash. However, by the end of the first month; ferns are sprouting everywhere.